Athens - Overnight accommodation in the Greek capital decreased by nearly 50 per cent in December compared to last year as the global financial crisis hit the country's key tourism sector, an industry body said on Tuesday.

The Association of Athens Hoteliers said five-star hotel occupancy rates fell by nearly 28 per cent in December and reservations for the next two months were down by nearly 70 per cent compared to 2008.

The association said the international financial crisis and the recent wave of street riots in the city centre prior to the Christmas holidays had affected the tourism sector.

In a monthly report, the association warned of a "very poor winter season that could undermine the viability of their enterprises."

Greece's Tourism Research Institute said the number of foreign visitors fell by 3.3 per cent year-on-year in October 2008 and it predicted the decline would accelerate in
2009.

Tourism is the motor of Greece's 240-billion-euro economy and accounts for nearly one-fifth of gross domestic product. (dpa)